This water-resistant facial moisturizer with sunscreen is a runny liquid dispensed via a needle-nose applicator. Although its fluidity takes some getting used to, this feels super light and very silky. You get reliable broad spectrum sun protection and sufficient UVA screening from stabilized avobenzone. This sets to a nearly weightless matte finish that is ideal for those with normal oily, combination, or breakout-prone skin. As you might expect, its silky, primer-like finish works beautifully under makeup.

The reason this sunscreen isn't rated higher is because it contains a potentially irritating amount of alcohol, but likely not enough to warrant a POOR rating—not when most of the other attributes are positive, including the price. See More Info for details on why denatured alcohol is a problem in skin care.

Last, for an allegedly "advanced" formula, this contains little in the way of antioxidants, which research has shown helps make a sunscreen even more effective not to mention the good those ingredients do for skin. From almost every angle except broad spectrum protection, this sunscreen is more miss than hit—and there are lots of other water-resistant SPF products out there.

Pros:

Provides broad spectrum sun protection.

Super light, super silky, wonderfully matte.

Inexpensive.

Fragrance-free.

Cons:

The amount of alcohol poses a slight risk of irritation.

Formula isn't advanced because it lacks a decent amount of antioxidants for further benefits.

Feels lovely on the skin and does not irritate my sensitive skin, BUT I am left wondering how much UVA protection this sun screen actually contains as after wearing I developed small patches of hyperpigmentation/freckles, which doesn't happen if I wear other sun protection

This is the best daily sun screen on the market. Light weight, lovely, light, slight tint that leaves a natural finish even on fair skin. Does not cause rash, itching, or breakouts. Hides pores, leaves a beautiful finish on the skin, no shine, just natural. I've tried dozens of sunscreens and reacted to most, or didn't like the finish because they accentuated wrinkles and large pores. This is a lovely product, best on market in my opinion. Does not accentuate wrinkles or large pores. I love it. Absolutely highly recommend this to everyone.

After trying so many different products to try and find my perfect daily sunscreen, I stumbled upon this one. It's incredible for my sensitive and acne-prone skin. I honestly think PC just gave it a bad rating because it's very similar to their Clear line sunscreen, but much easier on the budget! If you like that style of very liquidy, quick absorbing and non greasy sunscreen, you should definitely check this out before paying more for a product that isn't any better.

Bottom LineYes, I would recommend this to a friend

Beautypedia Team Response:Hi there! Thanks for leaving your feedback. This formula is very, VERY different from Paula's Choice Clear Sunscreen, so we beg to differ! Also, The Paula’s Choice Research Team no longer reviews products for Beautypedia, and while The Beautypedia Team is still a part of Paula’s Choice Skincare, what’s new—and you may not yet have known—is that now we have two teams working independently to bring you the best quality reviews, products, and research-supported expert advice you know and love. One team is dedicated to Beautypedia and product reviews from other brands; the other is dedicated to Paula’s Choice skincare and its unique combination of expertly formulated products and advice on a wide range of beauty-related topics. Have a lovely day! =)

I use this product daily. I have sensitive skin and live in the south. I have tried many brands and I love this one - it is the only one I can use that does not cause a rash or breakouts.I love the way it feels, very light and it is a very effective sunscreen. I recommend this to other women all the time.

Strengths: Budget-friendly prices; good makeup removers; wide assortment of self-tanning options; one of the best, most comprehensive makeup collections at the drugstore, with superb options in almost every category; the mascaras are a tough act to follow.

Weaknesses: Jar packaging hinders some of the skincare formulas; many of their skincare formulas contain problematic amounts of fragrance and/or other irritants; exaggerated anti-aging claims.

L'Oreal's extensive makeup collection retains its stature as one of the better selections at the drugstore, though they have stiff competition from Revlon and, in some cases, sister company Maybelline New York. In recent years L'Oreal has made significant strides with foundation shades, powder textures, concealers, and, of course, superlative mascaras that rarely fail to impress. Their lipsticks are excellent and you will find many L'Oreal makeup products have a Lancome counterpart, and that the differences are minor—if there are any at all.

L'Oreal's displays in many drugstores reflect better-organized products and shade categories (though testers are still scarce). Given the number of lipsticks they sell, it only makes sense to put them in color families so consumers have a better shopping experience. Their True Match products are also sensibly laid out, but the rest of the foundations aren't as organized, likely due to the smaller selection of shades. Speaking of foundations, L'Oreal has made further strides by offering more that provide sufficient UVA protection. Revlon still has the edge for consistently launching impressive foundations with sunscreen, but at least L'Oreal is (finally) catching up.

The bottom line is that every category of L'Oreal’s makeup has some winning (and in some cases, benchmark-setting) products.

Unfortunately, despite the brands’ enormous presence in the beauty industry, L'Oreal's moisturizers and treatment products are a nearly all unremarkable and repetitive. When it comes to moisturizers or serums, just about anything from Dove, Olay, Neutrogena, or Aveeno is preferred. L'Oreal does well with most of their cleansers, along with scrubs and self-tanning products, but given the widespread availability and financial resources of this line, they could be doing so much more. The good news is their makeup has made major strides and now ranks as the best overall color collection at the drugstore—imagine the results if their skin care followed suit.

The Beautypedia and Paula’s Choice Research teams have one mission: To help you find the best products for your skin, whether they’re from Paula’s Choice or another brand. By combining efforts, we’re able to share scientific research and remain committed to the highest standards based on our decades of experience objectively reviewing thousands upon thousands of skincare and makeup formularies in all price ranges.

Beautypedia cuts through the hype to bring you product insights and recommendations you won’t find anywhere else!

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Strengths: Budget-friendly prices; good makeup removers; wide assortment of self-tanning options; one of the best, most comprehensive makeup collections at the drugstore, with superb options in almost every category; the mascaras are a tough act to follow.

Weaknesses: Jar packaging hinders some of the skincare formulas; many of their skincare formulas contain problematic amounts of fragrance and/or other irritants; exaggerated anti-aging claims.

L'Oreal's extensive makeup collection retains its stature as one of the better selections at the drugstore, though they have stiff competition from Revlon and, in some cases, sister company Maybelline New York. In recent years L'Oreal has made significant strides with foundation shades, powder textures, concealers, and, of course, superlative mascaras that rarely fail to impress. Their lipsticks are excellent and you will find many L'Oreal makeup products have a Lancome counterpart, and that the differences are minor—if there are any at all.

L'Oreal's displays in many drugstores reflect better-organized products and shade categories (though testers are still scarce). Given the number of lipsticks they sell, it only makes sense to put them in color families so consumers have a better shopping experience. Their True Match products are also sensibly laid out, but the rest of the foundations aren't as organized, likely due to the smaller selection of shades. Speaking of foundations, L'Oreal has made further strides by offering more that provide sufficient UVA protection. Revlon still has the edge for consistently launching impressive foundations with sunscreen, but at least L'Oreal is (finally) catching up.

The bottom line is that every category of L'Oreal’s makeup has some winning (and in some cases, benchmark-setting) products.

Unfortunately, despite the brands’ enormous presence in the beauty industry, L'Oreal's moisturizers and treatment products are a nearly all unremarkable and repetitive. When it comes to moisturizers or serums, just about anything from Dove, Olay, Neutrogena, or Aveeno is preferred. L'Oreal does well with most of their cleansers, along with scrubs and self-tanning products, but given the widespread availability and financial resources of this line, they could be doing so much more. The good news is their makeup has made major strides and now ranks as the best overall color collection at the drugstore—imagine the results if their skin care followed suit.

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